27-1-753. Limitation on liability in sport or recreational opportunity. (1) A person who participates in any sport or recreational opportunity assumes the inherent risks in that sport or recreational opportunity, whether those risks are known or unknown, and is legally responsible for all injury or death to the person and for all damage to the person's property that result from the inherent risks in that sport or recreational opportunity.
(2) A provider is not required to eliminate, alter, or control the inherent risks within the particular sport or recreational opportunity that is provided.
(3) (a) Sections 27-1-751 through 27-1-754 do not preclude an action based on the negligence of the provider if the injury, death, or damage is not the result of an inherent risk of the sport or recreational opportunity.
(b) This section does not prohibit a written waiver or release entered into prior to engaging in a sport or recreational opportunity for damages or injuries resulting from conduct that constitutes ordinary negligence or for risks that are inherent in the sport or recreational opportunity.
(c) Any waiver or release for a sport or recreational opportunity must:
(i) state known inherent risks of the sport or recreational opportunity; and
(ii) contain the following statement in bold typeface: By signing this document you may be waiving your legal right to a jury trial to hold the provider legally responsible for any injuries or damages resulting from risks inherent in the sport or recreational opportunity or for any injuries or damages you may suffer due to the provider's ordinary negligence that are the result of the provider's failure to exercise reasonable care.
(d) Any waiver or release for a sport or recreational opportunity may still be challenged on any legal grounds.
(e) Any waiver or release for a sport or recreational opportunity executed in compliance with this section is not prohibited by or subject to the provisions of 28-2-702.
(4) Sections 27-1-751 through 27-1-754 do not apply to a cause of action based on the design, manufacture, provision, or maintenance of sports or recreational equipment or products or safety equipment used incidental to or required by the sport or recreational activity.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 331, L. 2009; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 410, L. 2015.
Structure Montana Code Annotated
Title 27. Civil Liability, Remedies, and Limitations
Chapter 1. Availability of Remedies -- Liability
27-1-701. Liability for negligence as well as willful acts
27-1-703. Multiple defendants -- determination of liability
27-1-704. Release -- covenant not to sue
27-1-705. Several liability -- purpose -- pleading -- determination -- nonparties
27-1-706. Effect of a release or covenant not to sue
27-1-708. Liability of landowner to trespasser
27-1-709. Property owner's immunity from damage caused by use of property unlawfully taken
27-1-710. Civil liability for injuries involving alcohol consumption
27-1-711. Liability of minor or person of unsound mind for own torts -- exemplary damages
27-1-712. Liability for damages for deceit
27-1-713. Duty to restore thing wrongfully acquired or retained
27-1-714. Limits on liability for emergency care rendered at scene of accident or emergency
27-1-715. Liability of owner of vicious dog
27-1-716. Immunity of persons donating food for free distribution
27-1-718. Civil penalty for shoplifting
27-1-719. Liability of seller of product for physical harm to user or consumer
27-1-720. Liability -- defect in design of firearms or ammunition
27-1-721. Immunity of certain firearms and hunter safety or hunter education instructors
27-1-722. Civil damages immunity for injury caused by legal use of force
27-1-727. Equine activity liability limitations
27-1-728. Mule and horseracing -- exception
27-1-729. and 27-1-730 reserved
27-1-731. Individual immunity for and indemnification of ditch company employees -- definitions
27-1-732. Immunity of nonprofit corporation officers, directors, and volunteers
27-1-734. Limits on liability of health care provider in emergency situations
27-1-735. Emergency communications systems -- lawful release of information
27-1-738. Health care provider's responsibility for others
27-1-739. Liability of health care provider for reduced chance of recovery caused by malpractice
27-1-740. Ridesharing -- limits on employer liability
27-1-743. Operator's responsibilities
27-1-744. Passenger responsibilities and prohibitions
27-1-746. Duty of health care provider performing third-party medical examination
27-1-747. Claims and damages based on birth of child prohibited
27-1-748. through 27-1-750 reserved
27-1-753. Limitation on liability in sport or recreational opportunity